Mauricio Pochettino believes protracted contract negotiations affected Christian Eriksen’s form and is glad a new deal has been agreed.

The 24-year-old recently penned a new deal until 2020 having been in discussions with Spurs for some time over an extension to his contract.

The Denmark international has yet to hit the heights he did at times last term when he scored six and assisted 13 league goals. and Pochettino admits he feels Eriksen’s early performances may have been slightly affected by the contract wrangling.

“It is important for him and for us,” he said, when asked about Eriksen’s new contract.

“It stops the rumours and he can be focused on playing football only. That is the last time that we talk about Eriksen’s contract, there were some rumours. It is good for him and the club and we are all happy.

“To be honest, we were always behind him, trying to help, but subconsciously maybe speculation can affect you when you’re in process to negotiate your future.”